The Newman Government will discontinue the Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service (TAAS) program as part of continued efforts to accommodate the 30,000 Queensland households currently waiting for social housing.

Housing and Public Works Minister Dr Bruce Flegg said his first priority was ensuring all available funds were channelled to the area of greatest need.

“The program has been jointly funded by the Queensland Government and the Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) for a number of years and has received more than $20 million over the past four years,” Dr Flegg said.

“We can put this money to better and more direct use by building more social and affordable housing across Queensland.

“The former Government left Queensland with a debt heading towards $100 billion and a public housing system with no money to build houses.

“While it would be nice to be able to continue to fund programs like the TAAS, our primary focus needs to be on the core business of putting roofs over people’s heads.”

Dr Flegg said all current contractual obligations with the 23 affected community and local government organisations would be met as the program was wound down and that tenants would still be able to access information services through the RTA.

“I would like to thank all the community organisations and councils that have been involved with the Tenant Advice and Advocacy Service.”